The University of California at San Francisco is a world-class research university spread out over various campuses in the City by the Bay. The main campus, Parnassus, is tucked just below the city's most expansive green zone, Golden Gate Park. Since San Francisco is a popular travel destination year-round, the accessibility and pricing of lodging is more dependent on general travel flows rather than major university events. Although San Francisco is infamously foggy in the summertime, it’s still peak season for travel, and hotel prices reflect accordingly.

An incredible city like San Francisco comes at a steep price. It’s the second most expensive city in the U.S., and lodging costs are no exception. Luckily, since it’s such a popular destination, San Francisco has a thriving hospitality industry, with lodging options to fit every need and budget.

UCSF has three main campuses (Parnassus, Mt. Zion, and Mission Bay) and 19 affiliated department buildings spread throughout the city. When planning your visit and researching lodging options in the city, be sure to take note of what campus you'll want to stay near. Each neighborhood of San Francisco has a unique feel, though prices are relatively similar throughout the city. Winter rates are always lower; motels and hostels, while of poorer quality, are notably more affordable than hotels.

Tenderloin Offers Cheapest Rates

San Francisco's downtown, known as the Financial District, borders its seediest neighborhood, the Tenderloin. While San Francisco is undergoing undeniable gentrification in all of its neighborhoods, the Tenderloin is still not a great place to be at night. The cheapest hotel and hostel options are in this neighborhood, and while many are perfectly suitable, it’s a good idea to read the reviews before booking in this area.

In off-season (wintertime), most motels and inns in the Tenderloin or Downtown will offer rates hovering around $50 a night. The Encore Express Hotel near the Mt. Zion campus, which is rated above average, has rooms for $61 during off-season.

If you’re ambitious, both the Mt. Zion and Mission Bay campuses are accessible from Downtown and the Tenderloin on foot. Otherwise, they’re a short bus or cab ride away.

Hostels for Solo Travelers

San Francisco has a number of offerings for solo budget travelers. Dorm beds in some of the more wallet-friendly hostels, such as San Francisco International Hostel near Union Square, go for as low as $21 a night during high season. Privates are as low as $36 per person. Consider this hostel if you're visiting the UCSF’s Hastings School of Law, as it's just a stone's throw away.

Airbnb as an Affordable Alternative

Although recent laws in San Francisco have made it increasingly difficult for Airbnb to operate, the service hasn’t notably suffered, and there are still a huge variety of private and shared rooms, as well as entire rentals, available throughout the city. Just like hotels, rates will change in the high and low season, but one should be able to find a private room in any area of the city for upwards of $85 a night during high season. Options are almost limitless, which drives competition, helping to keep price points somewhat reasonable. The map search function on Airbnb is fantastic for locating a room near the UCSF campus you’ll be visiting.

Transportation Options from Lodging to UCSF

San Francisco public transportation system leaves a bit to be desired. There's Muni, the metro system, which runs on a few lines. There's also BART, which connects several stops in San Francisco with the wider Bay Area. Buses run throughout the city. However, many people these days opt for private rides via Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar. Depending on the time of day, these services can be considerably cheaper than taxis.